Feeding of low birth weight infants

Optimal feeding of low birth weight (LBW) infants improves their immediate survival and subsequent growth and development. Being a heterogeneous group comprising term and preterm neonates, their feeding abilities, fluid and nutritional requirements are quite different from normal birth weight infants. A practical approach to feeding a LBW infant including choice of initial feeding method, progression of oral feeds, and nutritional supplementation based on her oral feeding skills and nutritional requirements is being discussed in this protocol. Growth monitoring, management of feed intolerance, and the essential skills involved in feeding them have also been described in detail.     

Iron status in low birth weight infants on breast and formula feeding

Iron status in 15 low birth weight infants, 1000–2499 g, on breast feeding was studied longitudinally for the first 6 months of age, and the findings compared to those of 30 low birth weight infants receiving a proprietary iron-fortified formula. The two groups received no iron supplement until they developed iron deficiency. The incidence of iron deficiency at 6 months was significantly greater in the breast-fed group than in the formula-fed group (86% v 33%). The breast-fed group had significantly lower serum ferritin and hemoglobin values after 4 months of age. The findings indicate that breast-fed low birth weight infants have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency and should receive iron supplementation from 2 months of age.Abbreviations TIBC total iron-binding capacity - MCV mean corpuscular volume     

Enteral feeding of low birth weight infants

There is sufficient evidence at present to support early enterai feeding of low birth weight (LBW) neonates, including those who are sick or very preterm (< 30 weeks). Trophic feeding with human milk initiated within 48 hours of birth at 10–15 ml/kg/day improves later tolerance to graded increment of enterai feeding volumes without increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Trophic feeding supports increments of feeding volumes by 30 ml/kg/day by intermittent gavage feeding. Non-nutritive sucking and spoon-feeding aid earlier transition to exclusive breast-feeding. Human milk promotes adequate growth of most preterm neonates, though many need multivitamin and mineral supplementation. The role of human milk fortifiers to promote growth appears controversial.     

母乳喂养质量改进对极低和超低出生体重儿亲母母乳喂养率的影响

目的 探讨NICU 中母乳喂养质量改进措施对极低和超低出生体重儿亲母母乳喂养率的影响。方法 回顾性调查收集2014 年7 月至2015 年7 月收治的极低和超低出生体重儿（质量改进前组）以及实施母乳质量改进措施后的2015 年8 月至2016 年6 月的极低和超低出生体重儿（质量改进后组）资料。对两组患儿住院期间亲母母乳喂养情况（喂养率、喂养量、喂养时间）、静脉营养持续时间、达到全肠道喂养的时间,喂养不耐受发生率等指标进行比较。结果 实施质量改进后,亲母母乳喂养率和喂养量均明显增高,母乳强化剂添加时间、静脉营养时间、达全肠道喂养时间均较改进前提前,喂养不耐受的发生率较改进前有所改善,差异有统计学意义。结论 亲母母乳喂养质量改进措施可提高NICU 亲母母乳喂养率,改善早产儿消化系统相关并发症。     

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human milk and brain growth during early infancy

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for growth and development, and their crucial role in the development of the central nervous system and in retinal function has been the subject of many studies. As the balance between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids has to be optimal, their concentrations in the milk given to infants who are exclusively breastfed is of major importance. In this study, the composition of fatty acids in mothers' milk and the growth rate of the infant brain were analysed. Nineteen mother-term infant pairs from Stockholm, Sweden, were studied from birth to 1 mo and 3 mo of age, during which time the infants were breastfed exclusively. The dietary intake of the mothers was calculated and found to concur with the recommended daily dietary allowances of Swedish lactating women as regards energy, protein, fat and carbohydrates. The amounts of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in the diet were similar to those reported for European and North American women. The ratio between arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the milk from Swedish mothers is approximately the same as in the brain of infants, and was found to be positively correlated with the rate of gain of the occipito-frontal head circumference and of the calculated brain weight at 1 mo (p < 0.01) and 3 mo (p < 0.01) of age, respectively. However, further studies are needed to establish the exact requirements of AA and DHA for optimal growth and development during early infancy in exclusively breastfed infants.     

Kangaroo mother care in very low birth weight infants

Objective : This study was conducted (i) to study through a randomized control trial the effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on breast feeding rates, weight gain and length of hospitalization of very low birth neonates and (ii) to assess the acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care by nurses and mothers.Methods : Babies whose birth weight was less than 1500 Grams were included in the study once they were stable. The effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on breast feeding rates, weight gain and length of hospitalization of very low birth weight neonates was studied through a randomized control trial in 28 neonates. The Kangaroo group (n=14) was subjected to Kangaroo Mother Care of at least 4 hours per day in not more than 3 sittings. The babies received Kangaroo Care after shifting out from NICU and at home. The control group (n=14) received only standard care (incubator or open care system). Attitude of mothers and nurses towards KMC was assessed on Day 3 ± 1 and on day 7 ± 1 after starting Kangaroo Care in a questionnaire using Likert’s scale.Results : The results of the clinical trial reveal that the neonates in the KMC group demonstrated better weight gain after the first week of life (15.9 ± 4.5 gm/day vs. 10.6 ± 4.5 gm/day in the KMC group and control group respectively p<0.05) and earlier hospital discharge (27.2 ± 7 vs. 34.6 ± 7 days in KMC and control group respectively, p<0.05). The number of mothers exclusively breastfeeding their babies at 6 week follow-up was double in the KMC group than in the control group (12/14 vs. 6/14) (p< 0.05).Conclusion : KMC managed babies had better weight gain, earlier hospital discharge and, more impressively, higher exclusive breast-feeding rates. KMC is an excellent adjunct to the routine preterm care in a nursery.     

Effects of parenteral soybean oil lipid emulsion on the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in very-low-birth-weight infants

Aim: Conventional soybean lipid emulsions contain no docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or arachidonic acid (AA). We investigated the relationship between blood DHA and AA status in 27 very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants with or without parenteral lipid emulsion. Methods: Sixteen infants received parenteral lipid emulsion, and 11 infants were control group. The fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane was analysed at birth and at 2 weeks of age. Results: No significant difference in AA levels was observed in the lipid emulsion group between the two time points, whereas the AA levels at 2 weeks were significantly lower than at birth in the control group. The DHA levels in both groups at 2 weeks were significantly lower than at birth, but no group differences were observed at both time points. Conclusion: The use of parenteral soybean oil lipid emulsions in VLBW infants in the postnatal period may prevent the decline in the AA level but does not appear to influence the DHA level.     

Breast milk in low birth weight babies

Two hundred low birth weight babies weighing less than 1.8 kg. were studied to evaluate the impact of breast feeding versus top feeding. There was significantly less mortality in the breast fed group as compared with the top fed group (23% vs 47%, P<007). This was true whether the data was analysed for gestational age. or birth weight, although statistical significance was not achieved in some groups, due to small numbers. The rate of infection was lower in the breast fed as compared with the top fed group (35% vs 54%, P<0.001). The cure rate from infection was also higher in the breast fed group (P<001). In the breast fed group the weight gain occurred earlier, although by the 3rd week it was marginally greater in the top fed group.     

Postnatal growth curves for extremely low birth weight infants with early enteral nutrition

Early enteral nutrition improves growth of extremely low birth weight infants, but growth curves beyond 30 days of life are lacking for such infants receiving early enteral nutrition. Based on the data of all infants born in a 4-year interval with a birth weight <1000 g and surviving for >56 days, we calculated growth rates and weight gain over 120 postnatal days. Infants with major congenital anomalies or necrotising enterocolitis were excluded. Daily weight, weekly length, head circumference and nutritional data were collected until discharge or for maximal 120 days. Curves were calculated in 100 g birth weight intervals, and separately for appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants. Data were available from 163 infants (birth weight 768 g ± 153 g; gestational age 26.8±1.8 weeks; mean ± SD) including 55 SGA infants (33.7%). Full enteral feeding was achieved at day 21.7 (±10.4). After 12.8% (±6.6%) maximal postnatal weight loss at day 7.5 (±3.0), birth weight was regained at 14.6 (±6.0) days. Mean overall weight gain was 15 g/kg per day with a significantly higher weight gain for SGA than for AGA infants ( P <0.05). Conclusion:Our early fed infants achieved better weight gain than those recently published receiving late enteral nutrition, but nevertheless fell below the 10th percentile of intrauterine curves. Which postnatal growth is ideal for extremely low birth weight infants infants is unclear. Our growth curves should not be taken as reference curves of a normal population but may help to identify infants with growth failure.These data are part of the doctoral thesis of Mareike Diekmann. The study was partly supported by Nestlé     

Feeding of very low birth weight infants born to HCMV‐seropositive mothers in Germany,Austria and Switzerland

Aim: To evaluate the enteral feeding practice of preterm infants <32 weeks (W) gestational age (GA) or <1500 g birth weight (BW) from human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)‐seropositive mothers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Methods: This prospective cross‐sectional study included all neonatal units (NU) admitting preterm infants <32W or <1500 g BW in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In June and July 2009, an anonymized questionnaire was sent via e‐mail, asking whether mothers of the above patients were screened for HCMV, and about the enteral feeding protocol for preterm infants <32W GA or <1500 g BW from HCMV‐seropositive mothers. Results: During the study period, 58.6% of the questionnaires (123/210) from Germany, 50% (13/26) from Austria and 50% (6/12) from Switzerland were returned, yielding a total of 6232 preterm infants for analysis. Formula was given to the mentioned preterm infants in 28.5% (35/123) of the German NUs but not in Austria or Switzerland. Untreated breast milk was given in 66.6% (4/6) of the Swiss, 14.6% (18/123) of the German and no Austrian NU. Long‐term pasteurized breast milk was given in 32.5% (40/123) of the German and 38.5% (5/13) of the Austrian NUs, but not in Switzerland. Short‐term pasteurized breast milk was given only in 5.7% (7/123) of German NUs. Freeze‐thawed breast milk was given in Germany (4.9%; 6/123), Austria (61.5%; 8/13) and Switzerland (16.7%; 1/6). Conclusion: Preterm infants <32W GA or <1500 g BW born to HCMV‐seropositive mothers are fed according to different regimes in German‐speaking countries. About 28.5% of the German VLBW‐infants receive formula, which is not recommended.     

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human milk

Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are the most representative long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) since they may affect infants' growth and development. LCPUFA are present in the milk of all lactating women throughout lactation. The mothers' dietary habits may affect the levels of these fatty acids in maternal blood lipids and then in milk. LCPUFA show marked differences in levels as wt%, particularly from colostrum to mature human milk, but only mild differences in absolute content. Both the major presence of LCPUFA in human milk phospholipids and some regulatory mechanisms in the mammary gland cells could contribute to the LCPUFA levels in milk beyond those in maternal plasma.     

不同开奶配方应用于极低出生体重儿的临床研究

目的 研究不同奶方用于极低出生体重早产儿开奶对生长发育和喂养耐受性的影响。方法 根据开奶奶方,86例胎龄 < 34周、出生体重 < 1 500 g的早产儿分为标准早产儿配方奶喂养组（SPF组,n=31）、深度水解蛋白奶喂养组（eHF组,n=27）和母乳喂养组（对照组,n=28）,比较各组早产儿生长指标、喂养情况、血生化、住院时间及喂养不耐受、败血症、坏死性小肠结肠炎、宫外生长迟缓（EUGR）的发生率。结果 SPF组、eHF组和对照组三组间院内体重、头围及身长增长速率、住院时间和出院时EUGR发生率的比较差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）;SPF组和eHF组胎便转黄时间明显短于对照组（P < 0.01）;SPF组的足量喂养时间明显短于eHF组和对照组（P < 0.01）,而后二者无显著差别;SPF组血清前白蛋白水平显著低于eHF组和对照组（P < 0.01）;SPF组和eHF组的出院Hb水平显著高于对照组（P < 0.01）;eHF组出院时血嗜酸性粒细胞百分比水平明显低于SPF组（P < 0.01）;各组喂养不耐受、败血症、坏死性小肠结肠炎的发生率差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 eHF和SPF均可用于 < 34周的极低出生体重早产儿开奶,且不增加EUGR发生率。     

极低出生体重儿母乳喂养与配方乳喂养的比较

目的探讨极低出生体重儿在进行母乳喂养、早产儿配方乳喂养条件下黄疸消退、体重增长、耐受全胃肠营养的时间及常见并发症的区别。方法对2002年10月至2005年4月我科收治的111例极低出生体重儿提供母乳喂养的39例,另72例采用早产儿配方乳喂养,观察两组在黄疸消退日龄、回升到出生体重日龄、过渡到全胃肠道营养日龄、住院天数等的差别,并比较两组在喂养不耐受、新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎、酸中毒的发生率方面的不同。结果两组过渡到全胃肠道营养日龄的差异有统计学意义(t=15.06,P<0.01);两组在喂养不耐受和酸中毒发生率的差异也有统计学意义(χ2分别为4.203和4.811,P<0.05);黄疸消退日龄、回升到出生体重日龄差异两组无统计学意义(t值分别为0.70和0.27,P>0.05);新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎发生率的两组差异也无统计学意义(χ2=0.01,P>0.05)。结论在极低出生体重儿应积极进行母乳喂养,这对于早日过渡到全胃肠道营养、减少喂养不耐受发生率、缩短住院天数、降低酸中毒发生率均有积极作用。     

极低出生体重儿母乳喂养与配方乳喂养的比较

目的 探讨极低出生体重儿在进行母乳喂养、早产儿配方乳喂养条件下黄疸消退、体重增长、耐受全胃肠营养的时间及常见并发症的区别.方法 对2002年10月至2005年4月我科收治的111例极低出生体重儿提供母乳喂养的39例,另72例采用早产儿配方乳喂养,观察两组在黄疸消退日龄、回升到出生体重日龄、过渡到全胃肠道营养日龄、住院天数等的差别,并比较两组在喂养不耐受、新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎、酸中毒的发生率方面的不同.结果 两组过渡到全胃肠道营养日龄的差异有统计学意义（t=15.06,P＜0.01）;两组在喂养不耐受和酸中毒发生率的差异也有统计学意义（χ2分别为4.203和4.811,P＜0.05）;黄疸消退日龄、回升到出生体重日龄差异两组无统计学意义（t值分别为0.70和0.27, P＞0.05）;新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎发生率的两组差异也无统计学意义（χ^2=0.01,P＞0.05）.结论 在极低出生体重儿应积极进行母乳喂养,这对于早日过渡到全胃肠道营养、减少喂养不耐受发生率、缩短住院天数、降低酸中毒发生率均有积极作用.     

Transthyretin levels are not related to Apgar score in low birth weight and very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported an increased incidence of thyroid dysfunction in premature/low birth weight infants. The cord blood concentrations of transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone binding protein, have also been found to be decreased in preterm infants. While thyroid hormone concentrations are decreased in sick infants, it is not known if physical condition influences TTR levels. Serial concentrations of TTR following birth have not previously been reported. AIMS: To measure serial serum concentrations of TTR in premature infants following birth, and determine whether TTR levels are related to physical condition. METHODS: A cohort of 65 premature very low birth weight (VLBW) and LBW infants were studied. Serum samples were obtained on the day of birth, and for 8 weeks following birth. Apgar scores at birth as well as the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were noted. RESULTS: Baseline serum T4 concentrations and Apgar scores were significantly lower in VLBW infants, while the severity of RDS was significantly higher in the VLBW group. Multivariate analyses revealed that T4 levels were negatively associated with RDS, while TSH concentrations were positively related to gestational age. TTR concentrations were not related to gestational age at birth, Apgar score, or RDS, and did not change markedly over 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that serum TTR concentrations are not related to birth weight/gestational age and are not associated with either clinical condition at birth (as assessed by Apgar score) or the occurrence of RDS. Reference values for TTR concentrations in VLBW and LBW infants are provided from birth to 8 weeks of age.     

深度水解蛋白配方奶喂养对极低/超低出生体重儿生长发育的影响

目的探讨深度水解蛋白配方奶喂养对极低出生体重(VLBW)和超低出生体重(ELBW)婴儿生长发育的影响。方法选取VLBW和ELBW婴儿375例作为研究对象,根据随机数字表法将其分为观察组(n=187)和对照组(n=188)。观察组给予深度水解蛋白配方奶喂养,当喂养达10 mL/次后,改用标准早产儿配方奶喂养。对照组给予标准早产儿配方奶喂养。两组持续喂养4周,比较两组喂养不耐受发生率、达全肠道喂养时间、胎便排净时间、自主排便次数、生长发育情况、喂养后第4天和第10天胃动素水平以及感染发生情况。结果观察组喂养不耐受率低于对照组(P0.05);观察组达全肠道喂养时间和胎便排净时间均短于对照组(P0.05);观察组平均每日自主排便次数多于对照组(P0.05);观察组婴儿体重、头围和身长均大于对照组(分别是1 793±317 g vs 1 621±138 g、30.5±1.1 cm vs 30.0±1.6 cm和43.9±1.2 cm vs 42.1±2.0 cm;均P0.05);观察组婴儿喂养第4天和第10天胃动素水平均高于对照组(P0.05);观察组婴儿感染率低于对照组(P0.05)。结论深度水解蛋白配方奶可提高胃动素水平,增加胃肠道喂养耐受性,促进VLBW和ELBW婴儿早期生长发育,降低感染发生率。     

极低及超低出生体重儿的预后因素分析

目的 分析极低及超低出生体重儿（出生体重≤ 1 200 g）的临床资料,为其预后及临床干预提供预警指标。方法 回顾性分析108 例极低及超低出生体重儿的母孕期病史、新生儿出生时情况、诊治经过及预后,采用非条件logistic 回归分析筛选预后的影响因素。结果 108 例极低及超低出生体重儿,出生体重范围在结论 极低及超低出生体重儿的病死率较高,且随着日龄的增加,影响早产儿生存的预后因素不同,临床上应针对这些因素制定合理的管理方案,提高早产儿生存率。     

Nosocomial bacterial infections in very low birth weight infants

The occurrence of congenital and nosocomial bacterial septicaemia has been documented by identifying the number of positive blood cultures by reviewing the laboratory and clinical records of 394 very low birth weight infants who were consecutively admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit over a 40-month period. The incidence of congenital septicaemia was 6% and of nosocomial septicaemia 17%. The commonest causes of congenital infection wereStreptococcus agalactiae Staphylococcus epidermidis andEnterococcus faecalis (each in 18% of cases). The commonest cause of nosocomial infection wasS. epidermidis (51% of cases), except in infants of birth weight less than 750 g. Risk factors for nosocomial infection were extremely low birth weight, very preterm birth and prolonged ventilation. Nosocomial infection was associated with significantly lengthened hospital admission.     

Breast milk levels of zinc and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and growth of healthy Chinese infants

AIM: To examine the concentrations of zinc and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 PUFAs) in breast milk, the impact of zinc on omega-6 PUFA metabolism, and the growth rate of infants. METHODS: Forty-one mother-term infant pairs from a rural area of northern Beijing, China, who were 1 month (n = 18, group I) and 3 months (n = 23, group II) old and exclusively breastfed, were studied. The dietary records and the concentrations of zinc and omega-6 PUFAs in the milk of lactating women and the increase in weight and length of their infants during 1 and 3 postnatal months were analysed. RESULTS: The dietary intakes of mothers in the two groups were the same, i.e. high in carbohydrate and low in fat, protein and energy. The maternal zinc intake was 7.5mg/d and thus reached only 34.6% of the current Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). The levels of zinc and arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 omega-6) in the milk of group I were significantly higher than those in group II. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between the concentrations of zinc and AA in the breast milk and between the level of milk AA and weight gain. CONCLUSION: Zinc may be a co-factor and essential for essential fatty acids (EFA) metabolism. Thus suboptimal zinc intake may cause EFA imbalance. Further studies of Chinese rural mother-infant pairs are necessary to determine whether zinc supplementation should be recommended when lactation exceeds 3 months.     

早期营养支持策略对极低出生体重儿生长代谢及并发症的影响

目的探讨早期营养支持策略对极低出生体重儿生长代谢及并发症的影响。方法回顾性分析我院2009-2012年出生体重〈1500g、无先天消化道畸形、住院2周以上、存活出院的极低出生体重儿临床资料,2009-2010年为A组,2011-2012年为B组。比较两组出生时一般情况、肠内外营养摄入、体格增长及血生化指标。结果与A组（118例）相比,B组（130例）早产儿应用氨基酸、脂肪乳剂更早[氨基酸：21．0（17．0,31．5）h比28．0（22．5,41．8）h,脂肪乳：40．0（28．0,46．0）h比45．0（30．0,75．8）h],起始剂量更高[氨基酸：（1．21±0．40）g／（kg·d）比（1．07±0．33）g/（kg·d）,脂肪乳：（0．86±0．35）g／（kg·d）比（0．66±0．24）g／（kg·d）],热卡达到120kcal／（kg·d）时间更短[（24．9±9．2）天比（28．4±9．9）天],开奶时间更早[48．0（36．0,71．5）h比56．5（37．0,88．0）h],禁食时间缩短[4．5（2．5,7．5）天比5．0（2．9,8．0）天],体重增长速度更快[（17．04-3．7）g／（kg·d）比（14．54-4．6）g／（kg·d）],出院时宫外生长迟缓发生率降低（59．2％比82．2％）,体重最大下降值减少[70．0（40．0,110．0）g比80．0（50．0,117．5）g],差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。两组坏死性小肠结肠炎、胆汁淤积症、医院感染、早产儿视网膜病变、支气管肺发育不良、呼吸窘迫综合征发生率、氧疗及机械通气时间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论早期更积极的营养支持策略能促进早产儿生长,减少宫外生长迟缓的发生,缩短住院时间．不会增加坏死性小肠结肠炎、胆汁淤积症、支气管肺发育不良、早产儿视网膜病变、呼吸窘迫综合征的发生率以及氧疗、机械通气的时间。